ALOHA enriches academics and geography passions of an ALOHA New Jersey fifth grade student who is competing in the National Geographic Bee state finals.

The ten year-old, Aarnav Gharse, will face 100 other students in fourth through eighth grade to represent New Jersey in the National Geographic Bee.

They will be given an oral test for the most part. Only one student will move onto the national finals to be held in Washington, D.C.

This is first time the fifth grade student qualified for the state qualifier.

According to his mom there were around 40 students competing in school before reaching the state level.

“From a young age, about 5 years-old, he has been fascinated with maps, and even read world maps (when introduced in school),” said his mother, Sanguida Gharse.

As the competition draws closer Aarnav is not showing signs of anxiousness. He loves to read and is always excited for geography exams, said his mom.

“He is a cool person, not the nervous type. When he competed in the ALOHA Mind Math Olympiad two years ago or so, competing against his peers from all over the United States in the Garden State Exhibit Center with about 2,000 to 3,000 attendees, he was excited and not nervous, “ explained Mrs. Gharse.

Aarnav started coming to the after school learning center at five years old, where he advanced quickly and graduated in 2012. During that time he became a national level ALOHA Olympiad champion among 1,300 others students, according to Ramamani Rajeevalochna, Director of ALOHA South Edison.

His mom acknowledges her son’s accomplishments, yet she realizes he faces a difficult task.

“It’s a tough competition and we hope for the best,” she continued. “I am the one who gets nervous when he has to answer an exam or something,” she laughs.

The National Geographic Bee]finals will be held April 4 at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey. The state champion advances to national finals held in Washington, D.C. in May.

About ALOHA
The unique academic enrichment programs at ALOHA Centers help children 5 years-old through 12 years-old be the best they can be to get ahead in all academic areas. This interactive learning method promotes the development and engagement on both sides of the brain, designed for frustrated learners or high-achieving gifted students. Through instructor-led, small group tutoring sessions, children improve their focus, develop vital learning skills, as well as study and life skills, and advance their self confidence to excel in reading, math, language arts, and science, to ultimately persevere in the face of adversity to go after their dreams. Discover the genius in your child.

ALOHA Mind Math was founded in 1993 and introduced in the United States in 2006. ALOHA Mind Math continues to experience growth beyond their current presence in 18 states, 23 countries, and 4,200 locations worldwide. To learn more about ALOHA, the mind math program, reading/writing programs, or to schedule an orientation at a center near you visit http://www.alohamindmath.com.
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